Research & Development

A Brighter Future in Blount County

Innovation and collaboration are some of the key components in effective research and development. From the strategically designed site of Pellissippi Place to the sophisticated research facilities and personnel available at ORNL and the University of Tennessee, Blount County offers high-tech research and development resources to area businesses.

At a Glance

Blount County is a hub for research and development.

View County Stats
Minutes to The Oak Ridge National Laboratory

30

Minutes to The Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Source: Google Maps
Minutes to Y-12 National Security Complex

30

Minutes to Y-12 National Security Complex

Source: Google Maps
Bioenergy Research Center at The University of Tennessee

$125M

Bioenergy Research Center at The University of Tennessee

Source: UTK.edu

What Blount County Businesses Are Saying

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is proud of its relationship with the Blount Partnership and the many advanced manufacturing companies that call East Tennessee home. ORNL draws upon unmatched innovative manufacturing technologies that help large and small companies find solutions that drive U.S. economic competitiveness and energy productivity.

Jesse Smith | Manager, Industrial Partnerships and Economic Development

Industry Highlights

Key Sectors

Companies focused on research and development in the following sectors will find Blount County the ideal location for innovation: Instruments, sensors and detectors, nuclear energy services, bioenergy, energy-related materials and applications, with a solar focus, auto/vehicle production, distribution and logistics, with a transportation focus, aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul, and engineering services, with an energy and environmental focus.

Key Advantages

Blount County’s strategic location and concentration of research facilities and high-tech firms offer significant advantages for companies focused on research and development. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the University of Tennessee, and Y-12 are just a few of the regional resources available. These high-tech facilities and the highly educated personnel are invaluable resources for Blount County businesses.

Industry Leaders In Our Area

Blount Chamber Member

The University of Tennessee’s flagship campus in Knoxville is home to a wide array of vigorous programs doing research on issues vital to the community, the state, the nation, and the world. The university has collaborative relationships with public and private agencies and several offices of research.

 The University of Tennessee
Blount Chamber Member

ProNova is redefining the future of cancer treatment by delivering a lower-cost, smaller, lighter and more energy efficient proton therapy solution without sacrificing today’s most important clinical capabilities. ProNova leverages proven superconducting magnet technology in both the cyclotron and treatment gantry.

ProNova Solutions
Blount Chamber Member

ORNL pioneers the development of new energy sources, technologies, and materials and the advancement of knowledge in the biological, chemical, computational, engineering, environmental, physical, and social sciences.

 Oak Ridge National Laboratory

The Y‑12 National Security Complex is a premier manufacturing facility dedicated to making our nation and the world a safer place and plays a vital role in the Department of Energy’s Nuclear Security Enterprise.

 Y‑12 National Security Complex